Letter: Reflecting upon the past 25 years in Ridgewood

Before leaving Ridgewood after 25 years, I feel an exit interview is in order.

Me: What did you like best about Ridgewood?

Me again: The neighbors living alongside and across the street were well educated, interesting and well informed. Actually, this was true up, down and around the block. It was what I would imagine a university setting to be like. This was fun.

Me: What else did you like?

Me again: Driving through downtown early in the morning was just right. Driving past the Christmas tree late at night was a hopeful sight. I like the sound of the leaves coming through my window even now as I write. (I would wish for fewer leaf blowers.) This has been a pleasant place in which to raise a family. All Americans should be so fortunate.

Me: Ridgewood schools are celebrated. Your thoughts?

Me again: I loved our time in the Ridgewood school system. However, I believe teachers and administrators claim oversized credit for the system’s academic success. On the whole, committed, educated parents deliver high quality product to Ridgewood schools. I suppose I would like to see a few “I Support Ridgewood Parents” signs set alongside “I Support Ridgewood Teachers” signs. Besides, Norma Rae does not teach school in Ridgewood. There is already more than enough demagoguery in this strained land of ours.

Me: At the risk of throwing you a softball, what are your thoughts regarding Ridgewood taxes?

Me again: Property tax is too high. Living here without school age children or post school age children does not make economic sense. The pre-K tax is particularly frustrating. The village has an obligation towards homeowners. They must be able to sell their homes when they wish. When coupled with recent tax legislation, too many homeowners have been left with a bad choice — hold onto an asset they would like to divest or sell at a loss. Homeowners/taxpayers deserve a favorable exit strategy.

Me: Any advice for Ridgewood homeowners?

Me again: My wife and I bought our present house about 20 years ago, just before housing prices went up like a kite on a windy day. Lucky us. Prices headed north for a few years, and then during the economic crisis they dropped like a lead balloon. Happily, prices bounced back to where they were at their high point. Give or take. This means our house has been a nonproductive asset for more than a decade and a half. This happened when the S&P, NASDAQ and just about every other index has skyrocketed. Granted, our children were well educated and we lived in comfort and peace. I will call it a wash. However, since our children exited the Ridgewood school system seven years ago, we were left with comfort, peace and a 0% financial return. When I look up and down my lovely block, I see nonproductive assets. I don’t see this changing during the foreseeable future. This is a problem. Ridgewood homeowners and village leaders need to address it.

Me: Closing thought?

Me again: I have enjoyed being one of you during the past quarter century.